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Two sets of French doors connect the great room to the back deck, which is elevated 10 feet above ground level and boasts stellar views of marshland.

An intriguing water feature, the plunge pool, illuminated at night, broadcasts rippling light through the great room and master bedroom.

Visible from both great room and kitchen windows and accessible via a private kitchen door, the infinity pool is flanked by a series of casual, all-weather ottomans — a quiet spot to relax and enjoy late-afternoon cocktails.

"The back deck ... had to be great looking, comfortable and visibly understated," says interior designer Linda Woodrum. "It is always about the view."

In a landscape of neutrals, napkins and glassware provide the needed pop of color.

A grand live oak, saved during the home's construction, provides a shading canopy over the master suite deck.

A 225-square-foot portion of the back deck is dedicated to the master suite, with access provided via the bedroom's own private deck entrance.

Cedar-like celluar PVC shingles offer the look of aged clapboards but are impervious to water and insects. The 100-percent recyclable product also features a solar-reflective coating.

A sturdy aluminum sideboard offers space to display decorative accents or serve as a staging surface for outdoor dining.

"I wrote the scenario in my mind of this accessory being the 'picnic' basket for all the unbreakable dishes and tabletop items needed to eat outside on the deck," says interior designer Linda Woodrum. "It could easily be carried inside when the weather is bad, but it looks wonderful and it is a great way to store things and keep them accessible."

Elevating outdoor rooms above ground level provides space beneath the back deck for both a patio and garage.

Before property lines were drawn, the lot's largest trees were identified. To protect the existing flora and lend a sense of permanence, the home was tucked into foliage.

A variety of wildlife, from herons and ospreys to dolphins, may be spotted in marshy areas beyond HGTV Dream Home 2013.

HGTV Dream Home 2013 is built to withstand hurricane, flood and seismic forces. Strapping from the roof to the foundation keeps the home secure and a Zip sheathing system prevents air and water infiltration.

A pre-wired speaker system awaits installation of the future homeowner's own sound system.

Although a 3,000-square-foot home, HGTV Dream Home 2013 lives like a cozy coastal cottage thanks to steeply pitched roofs, an X-shaped floor plan and landscape design that incorporates existing vegetation.